Finding mold can be alarming and daunting. However, Clean Heart Maids is here to tell you not to fret. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what mold is and how to remove black mold from your home, office, or wherever the mold is forming.
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist areas. For example, homes that are not well ventilated can be subject to mold. And, although they are not a sight to behold and can be poisonous to humans, did you know that some types of mold are beneficial to us? That’s right! Some types of mold have a medicinal value attached to them, like the production of penicillin.
Mold vs. Mildew
Fungi, whether mold or mildew, has the potential to destroy your home, including your furniture and clothes. Although both types of fungi thrive in confined spaces, mold is fuzzy in appearance, while mildew appears flat. In addition, it is easy to differentiate the two because mold takes on dark colors like green and black, while mildew is either white or brown in appearance.
The mold and mildew formation process begins with spores that are actually their seed. In order to germinate, the spores need a surface like a wall along with water and oxygen. The formation process begins between 24-48 hours after the surface becomes damp.
Whereas mold penetrates the surface on which it is growing, mildew tends to spread as spots on the surface. Apart from moisture, other conditions that enable mold to thrive include poor ventilation and poor access to or total lack of sunlight. Areas likely to provide mold with a breeding space in your home include:
- Shower and areas around your bathtub
- Ceilings with recessed lighting
- Areas near exhaust fans and clothes dryer vents
- Under your carpet
- Near sinks and dish-drying racks
Why Remove Black Mold
Molds are a significant health concern not only to humans but also to pets around your home. It can cause allergic reactions like wheezing, itchy eyes, and more. It is, therefore, crucial to take quick action against mold invasion in your home.
Whether your home has been invaded by mold or mildew, you can effectively fight back using the following methods depending on where the fungus is:
Methods for Removing Black Mold
On Upholstery and Fabric
Finding mold on your favorite piece of garment can be utterly disgusting. But, before you think of discarding your garment, consider this procedure that will let you salvage it by getting rid of the mold.
- The first step is to ensure mold spores do not fall off the garment and spread around your home. Therefore, take your moldy garment outdoors.
- Brush off the mold from your garment using a stiff-bristled brush
- Then use appropriate bleach to clean the garment.
- As a final step, wash the garment in hot water as you inspect whether the entire mold has been removed.
If necessary, repeat this procedure to ensure all the mold is gone.
On Carpets
Living in a space with a moldy carpet can be disturbing due to the musty smell. To clean the area, remove the carpet altogether. Wear a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling mold spores which may cause an allergic reaction. It would also be appropriate to moisten the moldy place to prevent the spore from spreading. If you plan to dispose of the carpet, wrap it in heavy plastic. Then, thoroughly wet or dry vacuum the area, and let it air dry for a couple of days as you wait to replace the carpet.
On Walls and Tiles
Black mold thrives in damp and humid areas of your home, like the kitchen and on bathroom walls. Leaking drainage pipes on tiled walls are also prone to harboring the fungus. A proven way of killing mold in such areas is by cleaning the affected surfaces with diluted bleach.
A stiff-bristled brush is always a handy companion for this task. Use a single cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of warm water to prepare the solution you will use. An old toothbrush would work great as well when scrubbing off the mold from the grout-filled areas in between your tiles.
However, it is essential to remember that bleach contains chemicals that may be harmful to humans. It is, therefore, advisable to wear and use protective clothing and equipment when performing this task. Ensure ventilation is also good beforehand.
Products To Use To Remove Black Mold
Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a solution that has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is safe to use on almost all surfaces in your home, whether on countertops or your kitchen appliances. However, one must be careful while using this product as it may cause surface discoloration if misused.
At its best, mixing 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with some water and leaving it for about 10 minutes should do the trick. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and begin by testing it on an inconspicuous surface to ensure it does not cause damage. If your solution passes the test, use it to saturate the area and scrub the moldy surface.
White Vinegar
Due to its mild acidity, white vinegar is ideal for cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfecting surfaces in your home. Studies show that it can kill 82% of mold species that thrive on both porous and non-porous areas. However, avoid diluting white vinegar with water before using it to clean your moldy surfaces, as this weakens its acetic acid properties.
White vinegar is effective for killing black mold on surfaces if sprayed on and left for up to an hour. After the hour lapses, use water to clean the surface and leave it to dry. The smell left behind by the vinegar should not bother you much as it clears up shortly after.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great product to have around your home. This can be attributed to its numerous uses, including clearing odors and black mold removal around your home. In addition, it is known to absorb moisture and kill mold from surfaces around your home by following the following simple steps:
- Prepare a solution by mixing a full spray bottle of water with ¼ tablespoon baking soda.
- Shake vigorously to dissolve the baking soda in the water.
- Spray the solution onto your moldy surface.
- Brush off the mold from the surface.
- Ensure you remove baking soda residue from the surface by thoroughly rinsing it with clean water.
- As a final step, spray the area again with the solution and leave it to dry. This ensures no mold is left and acts as a preventative measure against reoccurring mold growth.
Natural Solutions to Remove Black Mold
Are there natural solutions capable of removing mold? The answer is yes!
Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree oil are also a great way of ridding your home of mold. Apart from being a perfect insect repellent and home deodorizer, it is also a natural fungicide that is very effective in cleaning mold and preventing the reappearance of mold spores in your home.
To begin with, blend one cup of water with a teaspoon of the oil by putting it in a bottle and then vigorously shaking it. Next, spray the solution on your moldy surface and let it dry for 1 hour. The next step is to wipe the surface with a dry towel. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to use protective clothing such as gloves to avoid irritation that may be caused by the essential oil.
Lemons
Another natural way of getting rid of mold is by treating it with lemons. Lemons are associated with several great properties such as bleaching, stain removal, being an antiseptic as well as a natural form of deodorant due to their pleasant citrus aroma. Due to their highly acidic nature, lemons also have the ability to break down mold that has grown on surfaces around your home while at the same time disinfecting the area.
The process of using lemons and lemon juice to clean your moldy surface is very simple:
- Squeeze the lemon juice out of about five fruits and pour it on the moldy surface.
- Let the juice sit in the area for five minutes before wiping it with a wet towel.
- If the mold does not clear off your surface, you can reapply the lemon juice and use a brush to scrub it off, then repeat the first two steps.
Natural remedies for clearing mold around your home are a great alternative to bleach and other chemicals. They are less expensive and not toxic, and thus they are environmentally friendly.
How to Prevent Mold in Your Home:
Improving air circulation within your home and doing away with dampness in your home can be very effective in clearing mold in your home. Investing in exhaust fans in your home will increase ventilation, thus reducing the chances of mold growth. The source of your mechanical venting should always be unblocked and open.
Additionally, maintain cleanliness in your home. Make sure the clothes dryer vents should always be clean. Opening your windows also allows the free flow of air within your home. If you live in a humid area, investing in a dehumidifier would be an excellent choice.
Lastly, hire professional cleaners to keep your space clean and mold-free. Clean Heart Maids is the team to call if you’re in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. We are the standard of professional cleaning. We hope the above tips help you remove black mold with no problem, and to prevent the appearance of mold, call Clean Heart Maids to thoroughly clean your space!